The FDA is the federal agency ultimately responsible for food safety. Standards for food safety and food safety education are set by the FDA in compliance with current legislation, such as the Food Safety Modernization Act, signed by President Obama in January 2011. The FDA's website provides a wealth of useful information and tools for consumers and professionals, including a food safety widget for web pages and blogs, and a food safety app for smart phones.
The National Restaurant Association has created a widely-used food safety training program, called ServSafe. ServSafe is a comprehensive food safety curriculum, delivered in a number of formats. There are basic and full programs for food service staff, and a separate curriculum for managers. Course materials include written texts, on-line materials and testing, instructional DVDs and videos and tool kits for instructors. Courses are available for purchase individually or in bulk, in English and other languages, and are regularly updated to reflect current legislation and best practices.
The Food Safety Institute of America is a major provider of on-line food safety training. One of its core programs is a certification in a planning process called Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points, or HACCP. Originally devised to ensure safe food for NASA's astronauts, HACCP requires food service establishments to analyze their production processes and determine each area where food safety can be compromised. Appropriate safeguards and procedures are devised to minimize the potential for foodborne illnesses.
The Partnership for Food Safety Education was founded in 1997 to provide consumers with reliable, accessible and understandable information on food safety and the prevention of foodborne illness. Members include the American Dietetic Association, the Institute of Food Technologists, the Consumer Federation of America and marketing boards from a range of food production industries. The group also receives input from the FDA, EPA, USDA, and CDC. The Partnership's Fight BAC! website contains a wealth of information and downloadable materials for consumers and householders.